Wild Addiction (Wild #2)(48)
Author: Emma Hart

I smile, even if it is kind of weak. “It’s great to meet you, too. I’m sorry about disappearing just then.”

Tyler’s dad stands and embraces me the same way his wife just did. “Don’t apologize to the woman who had twins. I considered moving the bathroom into the bedroom several times during that pregnancy.”

Now that I can believe. Already.

“Anyway, congratulations!” He kisses my cheek. “What a wonderful surprise.” He claps Tyler on the shoulder and pulls him in for a hug.

“How are you feeling, love? We can reschedule if you’d like,” his mom asks, resting a hand on my arm.

“No, no! You don’t have to do that. I feel fine—mostly.”

“It started this morning,” Tyler explains, sliding a hand down my back soothingly. “We’re going to the doctor tomorrow.”

I frown at him. “We are?”

“We are now.”

I blink a few times and look away so I can roll my eyes.

His mom catches it and throws a wink at me. “Don’t worry, Liv. All men go a little caveman-esque when their better half is pregnant.”

“It’s not caveman,” Tyler interjects. “It’s caring.”

“Precisely,” his dad agrees. “But get the bucket down the side of the bed, lad. It’s easier at two a.m.”

My eyes widen and he chuckles.

“Dad!”

“Todd! Give the girl a chance to adjust before you go throwing horror stories at her!” Tyler’s mom swipes his chest with the back of her hand.

“It’s okay,” I interrupt. “You don’t have to sugarcoat shit. I already know it’s a load of crap.”

“In that case,” his mom says, “it fucking hurts.”

Yup. Figured that much out for myself from watching Teen Mom.

“Okay. Let’s go and sit at the table.” Tyler all but pushes me toward the kitchen.

“Why don’t I know your mom’s name?” I hiss into his ear.

“Shit. Kate. It’s Kate,” he whispers back. “Mum, would you like some wine?”

“Water, please.” She sits next to me at the table and leans over. “I had dinner with some friends when I was pregnant. No one knew yet, so I claimed I was on antibiotics. They were all drinking, and I spent the whole two hours wondering how many years I’d get in prison for hitting them with the bottles.” She winks.

“At least drunk people are fun when you’re sober,” I reason. It’s a good reason. One I’m going to have to get used to.

The apartment door opens and I turn to see Tessa walking in.

“Oh, balls!” She exclaims. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you guys were here.”

Tyler shoots her a dirty look.

I, however, feel relieved.

“Come and sit down,” I say and turn to Tyler. “There’s enough for her now that I’m not eating, right?”

“Why aren’t you eating?” Tessa narrows her eyes at me, lowering herself into the free chair next to her dad.

“Because she’s pregnant. That’s bloody why,” Tyler mumbles, clearly pissed at her for interrupting dinner.

“No shit!” she shrieks. “You’re pregnant?”

“Ask the toilet,” I reply dryly.

“Oh my god! Wait—oh, crap. Now this makes sense.” She looks at her parents. “Did you already know?”

“We just found out,” Kate replies.

“Ohhh!” Tessa claps her hands excitedly. “Please let it be a baby Liv. I can’t deal with a baby Tyler. My nerves won’t stand it.”

Todd laughs. “Your nerves?”

“My nerves won’t flippin’ stand it. They barely cope with him,” I mutter as Tyler sets the plates down.

He catches it and glances at me, and his lips twitch.

“At least I know why Dayton was freaking out earlier,” Tessa muses. “You haven’t answered her calls in two days.”

“Well I couldn’t tell her before Tyler knew,” I answer.

He nudges my foot under the table and hooks it round my ankle like a kid holding on to their best friend. It’s adorable and fills me with warmth.

I want to lean over, wrap my hands around his arm, and close my eyes, but I can’t. In fact, after spending my day either vomiting or wondering if I’m going to, I’m exhausted.

And now this.

No offense to his family, but seven p.m. is crazy late.

Shit. It’s only seven?

I sip a glass of water. By sip, I mean I wet my lips. And by wet, I mean dampen.

Listening in to the conversation around me, I rub my socked foot against Tyler’s. He reaches beneath the table after a few minutes and leans in.

“Are you okay? You look like shit.”

I snort into my hand. “Thanks. I feel it.”

“Crap. I didn’t mean it like that,” he laughs quietly. “I meant you look tired.”

“Cut the bullshit and just use shit,” I reply, smiling. “I’m tired. Feeling sick all day has tired me out, I think.”

“Do you want to go to bed? No one will mind.”

Yes. Oh, god, yes. I’d love to go home to my bed.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll wait until dinner’s over at least.”

“Don’t be a hero, baby girl. That’s my job.” He kisses my temple and reaches for his water.

“So, when are you planning to get married?”

Tyler chokes on his water at his mom’s words. I go completely rigid and I’m almost certain my eyes are bugging out of my head.

Married? What?

“Mum!” Tessa hisses.

Tyler knocks his fist into his chest a couple of times. “We haven’t thought about it yet. Or discussed it. Or mentioned it.”

He glances at me. My heart is thumping.

Why did I never think about marriage being a possibility?

With a baby comes a binding tie—one most women connect to marriage. It never crossed my mind that Tyler would want to marry me—or that I might want to marry him.

Then again, it’s only been two days and I’ve barely been able to think at all.

“Yep,” I murmur. “I’m ready to go to bed now.”

Tyler squeezes my thigh as his mom apologizes profusely. I tell her that there’s no need to worry. Privately, I think that, to her, marriage and babies are a reflexive action. To me, they’re run-like-fucking-hell actions.

“I’m really sorry to have to leave you guys, but I’m exhausted, so I think I’m going to call it a night,” I say softly.